EAT Brinker International Inc

DALLAS, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT), announced today October comparable store sales increased 1.0 percent for the five-week period ending November 2, 2005. Comparable store sales for Brinker and the four reported brands were as follows: Month of October Comparable Store Sales Oct FY06 and Oct FY05; Percentage Oct FY06 Oct FY05 Oct FY06 Comp-Store Comp-Store Price Oct FY06 Sales Sales Increase Mix-Shift Brinker International (1) 1.0 2.0 2.4 0.8 Chili's 0.4 3.5 2.6 0.5 Macaroni Grill 2.9 (4.6) 2.1 1.7 On The Border 1.9 5.5 2.2 0.7 Maggiano's 1.5 2.1 1.5 0.6 Second Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2006 Forecast Unchanged The company's estimate for second quarter fiscal 2006 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations is unchanged at $0.56 to $0.58, excluding special items(2). Incremental equity-based compensation expense for the second quarter is estimated to be approximately $11 million ($8.5 million after tax), or a decrease in earnings per diluted share of $0.09. The company affirms full-year fiscal 2006 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $2.34 to $2.43, excluding certain special items. Incremental equity-based compensation expense for the year is estimated to be approximately $31 million to $33 million ($24 million to $26 million after tax), or a decrease in earnings per diluted share of $0.27 to $0.29. A recorded message providing perspective on October sales will be available beginning Wednesday, November 9, at 4:30 p.m. EST through Wednesday, November 30, by dialing 1-973-528-0005 and entering pass code 1313. The company will release November sales results on December 7, 2005. Brinker International either owns, operates or franchises, 1,616 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar (1,112 units), Romano's Macaroni Grill (237 units), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (138 units), Maggiano's Little Italy (36 units) and Corner Bakery Cafe (93 units). The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and, consequently, could be affected by general business and economic conditions, the impact of competition, the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, the seasonality of the company's business, adverse weather conditions, future commodity prices, fuel and utility costs and availability, terrorist acts, consumer perception of food safety, changes in consumer taste, changes in demographic trends, availability of employees, unfavorable publicity, the company's ability to meet its growth plan, acts of God, governmental regulations, and inflation. (1) October FY06 Brinker comparable-store sales were negatively impacted 0.3% by the storms in the Southeastern United States. By reported brand, comparable-store sales were reduced 0.3% at Chili's, 0.3% at Macaroni Grill, 0.3% at On The Border and 0.2% at Maggiano's. (2) Special items are defined as incremental equity-based compensation and other unanticipated charges and gains. Contacts: Chris Barnes, Media Relations (972) 770-4959 Lynn Schweinfurth or Laura Conn, Investor Relations (972) 770-7228 or (972) 770-5810 DATASOURCE: Brinker International, Inc. CONTACT: media relations, Chris Barnes, +1-972-770-4959, or investor relations, Lynn Schweinfurth, +1-972-770-7228, or Laura Conn, +1-972-770-5810, all of Brinker International, Inc. Web site: http://www.brinker.com/

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